MOMENTUM BUILDING…
What an important run this is turning out to be at a vital time of the season. Four wins on the bounce have seen us not only collect our first domestic trophy for 70 years, but also propelled us into the box-seat for Champions League qualification at the end of the season.
With confirmation coming this week that the top five in the Premier League will all be playing in European football’s elite competition next season, the stakes have been raised and the targets are clear.
The league is so tight right now and the entire top ten, and perhaps even lower, will also be eyeing up the European places. It means that any slip-ups can be capitalised on from below.
As things stand Eddie Howe knows that if we win our game in hand we can be sitting comfortably in fourth position just a point behind Nottingham Forest in third. There are only eight games remaining, including five here at St. James’ Park.
If we can win all five on Tyneside it would probably be enough to qualify and crown what has already been a historic and memorable season.
ALWAYS A BIG GAME…
The visit of Manchester United is always an intriguing game and tends to produce plenty of memories. Some good, some bad. The famous encounters of the mid-Nineties when the two clubs were going toe to toe for the Premier League title, “Howay 5-0” and that chip from Philippe Albert.
I also think about the afternoon I celebrated wildly in the Gallowgate Corner in 2001 as Alan Shearer bundled in a late winner with a bit of help from Wes Brown on the afternoon Roy Keane saw red for an altercation with Big Al.
Recent history between the sides bodes well for Howe’s men. We’ve only lost one of our last five meetings with the Red Devils and that was the 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford last season. Of course, lots has changed at Manchester United since their last visit here. Erik ten Hag has been replaced by Ruben Amorim in the dugout and the shape, tactics and energy of the team appears to be improving the longer he spends at the club.
Ultimately, today will undoubtedly be a tough encounter and one in which our lads will have to give 100 per cent if we’re going to record a win and keep our Champions League charge going!
FABIAN SCHÄR AND JACOB MURPHY…
I often like to single out players for some praise in my column and this week I wanted to discuss two lads. Firstly Fabian Schär, who put pen to paper on a much deserved new deal last week. Schär has proved himself to be an unbelievable purchase and when you consider the fee we paid to Deportivo (£3M) he must surely be considered as (pound for pound) one of our greatest ever signings! It’s great that Fabian has extended his stay here and he’ll continue to be a valuable member of the squad.
Finally, a huge well done to Jacob Murphy who continues to have the season of his life. He’s now scored seven goals and produced nine assists for the club this season and has become one of the first names on the teamsheet. A Newcastle United supporter and an all round great bloke, he deserves so much credit for the strides he’s made this term. Well done Jacob!
